Rice Decarbonization: Pathways to Low-Carbon and Climate-Smart Cultivation

Dear Colleagues,

The global rice sector is at a critical juncture, facing the dual challenge of ensuring food security while reducing its environmental footprint. Rice cultivation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, and its environmental impact is under growing scrutiny. In response, a wide range of strategies—spanning agronomy, breeding, water and nutrient management, and policy innovation—are being explored to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.

This Special Issue invites original research, reviews, and perspectives on efforts to decarbonize rice production systems. Contributions may cover—but are not limited to—the following themes:

• Methane and nitrous oxide mitigation in rice fields;
• Low-emission rice varieties and breeding approaches;
• Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and other water-saving techniques;
• Sustainable nutrient management;
• Role of soil health and organic amendments;
• Integration of climate-smart practices at scale;
• Digital tools and remote sensing for monitoring emissions;
• Socioeconomic and policy dimensions of low-carbon rice cultivation.

We particularly welcome interdisciplinary work that bridges science, technology, and policy, as well as case studies from different rice-growing regions. The goal of this Special Issue is to synthesize current knowledge and highlight practical pathways toward a more climate-resilient and sustainable rice sector.

Dr. Srinivasan Ramachandran
Guest Editor

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